Aurora Theatre to Stage Pulitzer Prize-Winning WIT This Winter

A beautiful story of life and the looming question of what happens next, Aurora Theatre invites audiences to experience the powerful Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece WIT, playing January 14-February 7. Detailing the final days of Dr. Vivian Bearing's battle with stage IV ovarian cancer, WIT is a poetic journey through the English professor's reflection on her life and the relationship between patient and healer.

"As cancer survivors, this play is extremely personal for both myself and partner Ann-Carol," said Producing Artistic Director Anthony Rodriguez. "Although the type of cancer is very specific in WIT, the brilliance of the play is we have all been, in some way, affected by cancer. Ultimately, Vivian's personal battle with cancer in the play serves to comfort and inspire every person who has fought, every person who has triumphed and every person we have lost along the way."

Directed by Tlaloc Rivas and written by Atlanta teacher Margaret Edson, this exhilarating story of self-realization and strength takes a deeper look into humanity and one woman's bold journey of accepting it. As Professor Bearing undergoes experimental treatment for cancer, she begins to reflect upon her condition through the intricacies of the English language, most predominantly wit, seen in the metaphysical poetry of favorite author John Donne. A harrowing one-act drama of laughter and heartfelt emotion, audiences will experience an unfiltered glimpse at the rigorous toll cancer takes on Professor Bearing's life and witness firsthand her journey from teacher to student of life.

Recommended for teens and adults, WIT is presented January 14-February 7. A discount matinee will be performed Wednesday, February 3 at 10 a.m., with tickets starting at $16. Regular show tickets range from $20-$55 and can be purchased online at tickets.auroratheatre.com or by calling the Box Office at 678-226-6222. Regular show times are as follows: Wednesday-Friday: 8 p.m.; Saturday: 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday: 2:30 p.m. Please Note: Parental discretion is advised, as the play does contain brief artistic nudity.

Following the matinee on Sunday, January 17, audiences are invited to attend a meet and greet with Margaret Edson, as she speaks with guests about the play and what inspired her to create this powerful production.

On Wednesday, February 3, Aurora will host a FREE Community Conversation: "The Big C," from 7:15-7:55 p.m. A frank conversation with cancer survivors and medical professionals, the panel will compare ways of navigating past and present realities and future expectations on the journey through "The Big C".

Under the artistic leadership of Co-Founders and Artistic Directors Anthony Rodriguez and Ann-Carol Pence, now in its 20th Season, Aurora Theatre produces professional live entertainment to suit everyone's taste. Aurora Theatre is home to over 600 events each year. Two series of theatrical productions, the Peach State Federal Credit Union Signature Series and the GGC Harvel Lab Series, are comprised of the biggest Broadway plays and musicals alongside exciting contemporary theatre. Additionally, Aurora produces concerts, stand-up comedy, children's programs, metro Atlanta's top haunted attraction Lawrenceville Ghost Tours, as well as Atlanta's only professional Spanish language theatre, Teatro Del Sol. Aurora Theatre is a world class theatrical facility with two performance venues. Nestled on the square in historic downtown Lawrenceville, Aurora has FREE attached covered parking and is surrounded by restaurants and shops. Aurora Theatre has garnered numerous accolades highlighted by recent achievements that include winner of Seven 2013 Suzi Bass Awards, Creative Loafing's "2010 Best Theatre Company," Georgia Trend Magazine's "2011 Best Places to Work in Georgia," Atlanta Business Chronicle's "2012 Best Places to Work", Atlanta Magazine's "Best of Atlanta 2013" and the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's 2014 President and CEO Award for Excellence in Arts.